Blue Majik Is the Latest Foodie Fav: What’s the Deal?

Blue majik is an extract of a pigment called phycocyanin contained in spirulina. Spirulina is a freshwater alga. Blue majik has a green-blue color and a hearty taste. Historical use dates back to the Aztecs—spirulina cakes were regularly sold as far back as the 16th century in Mexico.

Spirulina is high in protein and low in calories. Blue majik is loaded with nutrients including iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and a small amount of calcium. Blue majik is becoming the latest foodie fav, but what’s the deal?

First of all, its green-blue color is enticing; the taste blends well with a variety of food ingredients—and it offers an abundance of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Blue Majik

The majority of scientific studies have focused on spirulina, but these findings are valid also for blue majik because the pigment phycocyanin is the component of spirulina that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Enhances Heavy Metal Detox

According to the World Health Organization, arsenic toxicity is a global issue, and the U.S. is just one of the countries affected. Millions of people in Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, and Chile consume arsenic through drinking water, and thousands of them develop chronic arsenic poisoning.

Researchers investigated the efficacy of spirulina extract on 41 patients who were randomly treated with either placebo or spirulina extract. Results demonstrated that spirulina extract plus zinc taken twice daily for 16 weeks may help to treat chronic arsenic poisoning. These studies provide evidence for the viability of blue majik as part of a heavy metal detox.

May Help Fight Infections

Research concluded that invasive candidiasis is a leading cause of mortality associated with mycosis (fungal infection) in the United States. Several studies conducted on mice showed that spirulina extract may have protective effects against candida by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines.

Blue majik has also been reported to increase immune response against HIV. In a study, subjects were randomly assigned to brown seaweed, spirulina, or a combination of both. Results suggested that brown seaweed, spirulina, and a combo of the two may improve the conditions of patients with HIV/AIDS.

May Help Treat Cancer

Several articles have been published evaluating spirulina’s impact on cancer cells. A team of researchers in the Czech Republic conducted a study to investigate the anti-cancer effects of spirulina using an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. Results showed that spirulina inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer.

May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Scientists believe that blue majik may help lower blood pressure. Results of a study conducted in Japan showed that long-term phycocyanin intake may reduce blood pressure. Another team of researchers in South Korea analyzed the effects of spirulina on rabbits and found that spirulina consumption may help to prevent atherosclerosis and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Promotes Brain Health

A study conducted on rats highlighted the beneficial effects of spirulina on Parkinson’s disease. Spirulina reduced the excessive activity of brain cells that is connected to the disease. Another study on the impact of spirulina on memory, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity showed that spirulina may help to prevent memory loss and reduce oxidative damage.